Age-Friendly Design Development Trends and Strategic Pathways: From Barrier-Free Principles to Intelligent Ageing Environments

Abstract

This paper examines the developmental trajectory of age-friendly design from early barrier-free principles to contemporary intelligent ageing environments. Drawing upon international scholarship, ageing-policy developments, and advances in interactive technologies, the study identifies a three-stage evolution consisting of accessibility-oriented design, usability and dignity-centered design, and intelligent empowerment design. It further analyzes four underlying mechanisms—physiological, cognitive, emotional, and technological—that shape older adults’ interaction with built and digital environments. The findings demonstrate that age-friendly design has shifted from compensatory modifications toward proactive, adaptive, and capability-enhancing systems. The study argues that future age-friendly environments must integrate human–technology co-adaptation, emotional well-being, and long-term autonomy as core objectives. This integrated framework provides theoretical grounding for developing intelligent, inclusive, and sustainable design strategies that support meaningful later-life experiences.